5 May 2010

Treasure from Java shipwreck being auctioned

2:11 pm on 5 May 2010

Treasure from a 1000 year old shipwreck is being auctioned in Indonesia.

The auctioneers hope to realise $US80 million from the sale of items including porcelain vases from Chinese dynasties, gold jewellery and swords with Arabic inscriptions.

The treasure was discovered off the coast of Java. The BBC reports it is believed to be one of the biggest finds ever made in Asia.

The proceeds are to be shared between the government and the team that recovered the goods.